Conflicting reports concerning the Sperm Injection Fertility Method have many couples  asking their fertility treatment center for clarification. A study, involving 1,000 babies born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection, ICSI, seemingly confirmed fears that there is an increased risk of birth defects when compared to the general population of all babies conceived using some type of fertility treatment or babies born without the use of any fertility treatments.

What is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Used primarily in male factor infertility, the ICSI process involves the fertility treatment center embryologist first selecting viable sperm using micromanipulation tools. The sperm is then injected through the outer shell of the egg and egg membrane, then into the cytoplasm of the egg. Fertilization using this process occurs in about 85% of cases.

ICSI is Most Commonly Performed in These Cases

Although there is no specific standard of care concerning which cases should or should not use ICSI, most fertility treatment centers consider them in these common scenarios:

• When there is a concern over a low yield of egg retrieval
• For couples having already attempted IVF treatment an experienced no or low rate of fertilization
• In male factor infertility cases that do not wish to use donor sperm
• Couples with low sperm concentrations or low sperm motility

What Do Studies Show?

Several studies conducted since the procedure was introduced in 1991 have, not surprisingly, conflicting findings. In most studies, there does seem to be an increase in the rate of  birth abnormalities in those babies conceived using ICSI as opposed to those conceived naturally. The controversy lies in how those results are interpreted.

A new Swedish study published in the Journal of Human Reproduction says that fears of birth defects resulting from the procedure are largely unfounded. The study asserts that the perceived increase in the rate of birth defects is mainly attributable to, or the result of, conditions associated to multiple or premature births. About 50% of the reported cases involved only minor conditions.

One Plausible Link

However, one specific birth abnormality did seem to be over-represented. Hypospadias may possibly be attributed to ICSI and is associated with paternal fertility problems. Hypospadias is an abnormality of the penis where urine passes through an abnormally placed opening on the undersurface of the penis. The condition is not serious and can be easily treated with plastic surgery.

On Going Studies

The ICSI procedure is fairly new and ongoing studies will no doubt continue and may shed new light on this treatment. ICSI for many couples represents their greatest hope of achieving a pregnancy and undue weight should not be placed on these results. The latest studies should reassure those seeking ICSI as a fertility treatment option, rather than cause concern. Couples considering ICSI should remember that thousands of healthy, normal babies are born every year using this procedure.

Any couple considering Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection as a fertility option should discuss any concerns they may have with their fertility treatment center doctor.